17 Atlanta Events & Happenings: February 2016

Sometimes, February can seem like a tough month — the sky is perpetually gray and summer seems ages away, not to mention the in-your-face nature of Valentine’s Day. But there is SO much going on in Atlanta this month, we’ll need that extra Leap Year day to fit it all in. So grab your friends, your family or your significant other and brush off those winter blues with these great happenings.

Through February 17, 2016: Jewish Film Festival

For over 3 weeks, you have the chance to experience hundreds of incredible movies and speakers at the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. In 2015, this was the largest Jewish film festival in the world and the largest film festival in Atlanta. This year promises to be the best yet — with 23 days and 171 screenings to choose from, there’s no excuse to miss out on this incredible event. Films not your thing? Check out the amazing list of guest speakers. Tickets on weekdays after 4 p.m. and for all weekend shows are $13; seniors, students with valid student IDs and children 12 and under pay $11. Matinee screenings (Monday – Friday, until 4 p.m.) cost $9. ajff.org

Through February 14, 2016: Disgraced

Racial tension and Islamophobia are hot topics in America right now, making Disgraced a must-see. The play is a one-act performance of a dinner party with four people of very different backgrounds. Their dinner conversation focuses on politics and religions, and reveals the racial and ethnic prejudices that continue to permeate our culture. Tickets start at $20; cost varies depending on seat and day. alliancetheatre.org

February 2 – 7, 2016: Beauty and the Beast

Tale as old as time, song as old as rhyme…you know how it goes! The magic and romance of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is brought to life from the silver screen to the stage with this Broadway musical. The characters, the songs and the story you remember are only here for a few days, and it’s the perfect way to get excited for the live-action reboot coming to theaters next year starring Emma Watson! Tickets start at $30. foxtheatre.org

February 5 – 13, 2016: Atlanta Ballet Moulin Rouge

Moulin Rouge, the classic tale focused around the namesake French cabaret that gave us the can-can, is coming to Atlanta just in time for the most romantic night of the year. For as low as $20, fall in love with the beauty and glitz of France with this incredible show. Performances are at 8 p.m., with afternoon performances on February 6 and 7. cobbenergycentre.com

February 6, 2016: Mardi Gras Streetcar Adventure

Mardi Gras lets you indulge in everything you’ve been missing from your New Year’s resolutions — and there’s no better way to celebrate than with the Mardi Gras Streetcar Adventure! The streetcar tour takes you through historic areas of Atlanta, stopping at venues along the way for food and drink specials (and five complimentary alcoholic drinks). Tickets can be purchased online for $20 in advance, $25 the week of and $30 the day of the event. atlantabartours.com

February 6 – 23, 2016: African-American History Tours at Oakland

A cemetery tour might seem like a strange idea, but it really is an incredible way to learn about our city and the people who lived here. Oakland Cemetery is offering free African-American History Tours on February 6 (1:30 and 3:30 p.m.), February 11 (1:30 p.m.) and February 23 (1:30 p.m.), where guests can spend an hour learning about the occupants of the historic cemetery. Some notable Oakland residents include the first African-American mayor of Atlanta and one of the city’s first African-American city councilmen. oaklandcemetery.com

February 9, 2016: 2CELLOS

This isn’t your average orchestral performance! 2CELLOS perform as a duo, turning well-known pop and rock songs into incredible remixes on the cello. They cover everything from AC/DC to Rihanna, and their videos have millions of views on YouTube — they were even featured on Glee! Their music is like nothing you’ve heard before; we can guarantee it. Get your tickets in advance from $36.50-$66.50. foxtheatre.org

February 10 – 14, 2016: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre

Alvin Ailey is redefining American dance and bringing their dramatic, modern performances to Atlanta for a few short days. The company is doing six different shows, each one containing a distinctive combination of dance routines. Wednesday-Saturday evening performances start at 8 p.m., with a 2 p.m. performance on Saturday and a 3 p.m. performance on Sunday. Tickets start at $21.50. foxtheatre.org

There’s something timeless and enchanting about a circus; it never ceases to inspire wonder in people young and old. Now, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey are stepping up their classic show to become Circus Xtreme, with spectacles and performances like never before. This is also one of the last performances featuring the Asian elephants, as they will be leaving the circus permanently in May. Tickets range from $15-$100. philipsarena.com

February 12 – 13, 2016: Emory Jazz Fest

Two nights of jazz music is just what you need to transport you out of Atlanta and back into the ages of swing music and big bands. Friday night, clarinetist-saxophonist Anat Cohen will join the Gary Motley Trio for a lively performance. Then on Saturday, you can watch and listen to the Gary Motley Trio on stage with the Emory Big Band and the Emory University SYmphony ORchestra Strings. This celebration of jazz music is free on Saturday night and $25 on Friday night. Shows start at 8 p.m. arts.emory.edu

If you’re a fan of classic, old-school romance on Valentine’s Day, this is the date idea you’ve been waiting for. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is offering three performances, one for each night of Valentine’s Day weekend, focused on love songs, duets and all things romantic. Tickets start at $20. atlantasymphony.org

February 13, 2016: Cupid’s Undie Run

Don’t worry, no date is required for this V-Day festivity — but you still might want to bring a wingman or two! Cupid’s Undie Run is a hilarious event that’s more about the fun than the run. The 1-mile run/jog/walk is only part of the craziness; your $45-55 registration fee covers a wild party with plenty of free gifts. Oh, did we mention it’s also a fundraiser for the Children’s Tumor Foundation? So much fun, so little clothes! cupidsundierun.com

February 19, 2016: 12th Annual Atlanta Blues Festival

Our favorite annual Atlanta Blues Festival is back with more music than ever to tackle our cold weather blues (sorry, we couldn’t resist). This year’s lineup includes Terry Wright, Lattimore, Theodis Ealey, Sir Charles Jones, Calvin Richardson and Lenny Williams. Tickets range from $56 to $78.50 depending on the seating section, and the show starts at 8 p.m. foxtheatre.org

February 25, 2016: Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me!

If you’re a fan of listening to National Public Radio, you know that Wait, Wait … Don’t Tell Me! is one of NPR’s most popular podcasts and weekly current events quiz show. This live performance brings host Peter Sagal to Atlanta for a comedy performance that’s smart and entertaining. The show starts at 7:30 p.m., tickets are sold out online but you may be able to get some at the door. foxtheatre.org

February 26, 2016: Johnny Mercer Celebration

One of Georgia’s many famed natives is Johnny Mercer, a celebrated songwriter of the 20th century who composed more than 1,000 songs between 1929 and 1976 and cofounded Capitol Records. His astounding career led to 19 Academy Award nominations and, now, a concert for his amazing legacy. Joe Gransden and Kathleen Bertrand will pay tribute to the incredible life and career of Johnny Mercer. Tickets start at $34, show starts at 8 p.m. rialto.gsu.edu

February 27, 2016: Black History Month Parade

Noted as the largest celebration of African-American History Month in this country, the Black History Month Parade is an incredible celebration of Atlanta’s rich history. The free festivities begin at noon at the King Center National Park and conclude with a ceremony at Woodruff Park. This is a great event that your kids will love, featuring plenty of fun and music to keep the little ones entertained. blackhistorymonthparade.com

February 28, 2016: Make-Believe America

Between 1955 and 1975, cultural exhibitions in America were at an all-time high. These exhibitions were used as propaganda, purporting U.S. superiority and ingenuity while attempting to weaken the threat of communism. Make-Believe America at MODA explores this period in American history with stunning exhibits by influential designers such as Herbert Bayer andGeorge Nelson. General admission to MODA is $10; students, educators, seniors and military members are eligible for discounted tickets. museumofdesign.org